The Rangers Report

Team Record As Of August 28, 2007

58-72, 4th In The AL West

September Call-Ups

Having to scrap the additions to the 40 man for now, but I’ve instead need to work on something else. 

September Call Ups.

Here’s who we could see up for the Rangers after September 1st.

• Armando Galarraga (RHP) – The big fish of the group, Galarraga was the third prospect traded in the Alfonso Soriano trade, Galarraga had a poor 2006 season, mostly after trying to recover from heavy workloads as well as being fresh of Tommy John.  He’s since become beastly for both the Frisco Roughriders and the Oklahoma Redhawks and was even considered to be named the starter on Saturday until it was decided Jamey Wright would play.  He’ll likely be a part of the odd six man rotation idea that the Rangers have going.
• A.J. Murray (RHP) – The Bullpen can use another lefty and Murray is showing signs of improvement.  There’s also the possibility that he could begin to get work as a starter, as that’s how the organization views him long term.
• Edinson Volquez (RHP) – Simply put, Volquez has had a excellent season and deserves a shot to prove that he’s ready to finally be a viable rotation option and not simply just a intriguing arm that can’t get it done.
• Chris Stewart (C) – Stewart will be the third catcher and will be auditioning for the backup role next year.
• Victor Diaz (RF) – Diaz is also on the hot seat and needs to prove that he’s ready to mash at the big league level.  He could make life difficult to Nelson Cruz in the coming days, especially if he really tears it up.
• Freddy Guzman (CF) – Another guy fighting for his job, Guzman needs to prove he’s worth his 40 Man spot, otherwise he’ll be DFA’d and tried to pass through waivers.

Centerfield In Texas

Though the Rangers have had some good work in centerfield from Marlon Byrd, the Rangers could use an upgrade in centerfield.  I’m not sure Byrd can sustain this rate and he’s a much worse player outside of Rangers Ballpark.

So, is there any available options out there to help improve?

One route is externally.  The Rangers could try to acquire one of the free agent centerfielders in the market this off-season, with Andruw Jones, Mike Cameron, Aaron Rowand, and Corey Patterson, with Japanese import Kosuke Fukudome behind them all.  Signing any of them except for Fukudome would result in the loss of a second round pick (as the Rangers’ 1st rounder is all but assured to be a Top 5.) 

A better option would be to pursue a trade option, with three options available in the East in Boston’s Coco Crisp, New York’s Johnny Damon and Tampa’s Rocco Baldelli.

Crisp is one year away from free agency and he has prospect Jacoby Ellsbury breathing down his neck for the job.  Boston could look at unloading Crisp to make room for Ellsbury and use the savings to improve other parts of the offense or bullpen if they so desire.  I’m not sure why type of trade could be reached, but maybe the Rangers could make a deal if the parts are unable to match.  The price shouldn’t be exorbant because Crisp only has one more year left on his deal.  Then again, this deal could backfire, considering that the Rangers would be in the same boat next year.

Damon is also an option, as he can play center to a certain extent and could be rested by Byrd or Murphy if need be.  He’s locked in for two more years and by the time he’s ready, centerfield prospect Julio Borbon could be ready to take over.  The problem here is that New York would seek to cash in on Damon similar to how they cashed in on Sheffield last year.  I’m not sure that Texas is willing to give up some of their lower level prospects, and certainly not Chris Davis, a slugging third baseman that may be moved to first that is near ready, and would be someone New York would covet.  Plus, Damon could veto the deal and he’s beginning to decline.

Baldelli is another option, as he has an affordable contract and can hit in the middle of the order.  He’s a strong defender as well.  The problem with the Baldelli hasn’t played much over the last five years and has more injury issues than Damon.  And while he might not cost as much as Damon (thanks to the Devil Rays now having a set outfield of Young, Upton and Crawford), there isn’t any proof that the Baldelli can stay healthy.

The Rangers could try to work some type of four man outfield, depending on who stays.  The Rangers currently need to figure out what to do with the mass amount of outfielders they have on the roster right now.  Frank Catalonotto, Victor Diaz, Byrd, Murphy, and Nelson Cruz all need playing time and if the Rangers are to acquire Baldelli or another centerfielder, they need to move one or both of Diaz or Cruz to allow regular time for Catalonotto, Byrd and Murphy along with the assumed acquisition of Baldelli.

Washington Wants A “Natural” First Baseman

Texas needs a regular first baseman.  Right now, Texas has a #### combination of Frank Catalanotto, Brad Wilkerson and Saltalamacchia sharing time, but the Rangers want a regular first baseman, one that has experience as the position.  And of those three, Cat can’t play the infield anymore, Salty’s catching full time next year and Wiffy is likely history.  Washington has made it clear however, that he wants a natural first baseman for next season.

Which leaves the trade market?

Anyone available that the Rangers could pursue?

Some.  Here are the best options right now:

• Nomar Garciaparra (Trade – Dodgers).  The Dodgers appear to have bitten off more than they could chew by bringing Garciaparra back this season instead of simply allowing him to leave this off-season.  While the financial commitment to Nomar isn’t big, he’s blocking James Loney, who should be playing first from now on, and is blocking Andy LaRoche, who should be playing third.  Nomar could put up big numbers in Arlington and may accept a trade to Texas (his wife, Mia, is from here) and could be guaranteed a place to play.  It would be a worthwhile gamble for one year, after which the Rangers could promote Chris Davis to play first for one more year.
• Adam LaRoche (Trade – Pirates).  The Pirates could be interested to trade LaRoche to the Rangers after the improvement of prospect Steven Pearce, who could provide roughly what LaRoche has given them this season at a fraction of the price.  Honestly, this deal does make some sense, as not only would it allow the Pirates to get less expensive, it would also allow them to acquire a package of players in exchange.  I would likely start a package built around Laird, a young catcher that could benefit in the NL, plus would allow him to split time with Robby Paulino.  A package of Luis Mednoza, Laird, and maybe Joaquin Arias or Elvis Andrus might do it.  Then again, it’s the Pirates, and for all I know, they would do it for Laird straight up or as a way to get rid of the carcass of Matt Morris.
• Todd Helton (Trade – Rockies).  This deal could be done, since the Rockies are just looking to get Helton’s contract off the books and were willing to do it for relief help last year.   The Rangers again might be able to do it for a package revolving around Laird, who would love his new home, along with a package of Mendoza, Scott Feldman, and change.  Maybe.  The big issue would be getting Helton to waive his no trade.
• Chad Tracy (Trade – Diamondbacks).  Tracy was reportedly offered to the Rangers in a potential Mark Teixeira deal, but the deal didn’t progress enough beyond the “WTF?  That’s It?” stage.  Tracy’s stock is down enough that the Rangers would consider a deal and he wouldn’t be expensive.  The only issue is whether or not the rumors are true that Tracy’s body is deteriorating and that he might not be able to play for much longer.  Interestingly enough, the Rangers have a prospect of the same name.  Imagine the hillarity if both players made the active roster in the same year.
• Hank Blalock (Positional Move).  There are some worries that Hank Blalock may not be able to throw to first anymore and may not be able to recover from his recent surgery and be able to play third base.  So, there has been talk about using Travis Metcalf, a smooth defender with some offensive promise, and moving Hank to First.  Hey, at least it wouldn’t be expensive…
• Nick Johnson (Trade – Nationals).  Nick Johnson is done for the year and doubtful for Spring Training, but with the Nationals making a commitment to Dmitri Young, the Nats’ former first baseman is now likely to be shopped in a trade.  Johnson is attractive in that he’s a solid defender, makes hard contact and hits with some power and is generally regarded to be a good clubhouse guy.  But how healthy is he and is he ready to play?  And will Jim Bowden be crazy enough to demand two top prospects like he did for Young at the deadline and Chad Cordero?
• Dan Johnson (Trade – Athletics).  It’s not that farfetched that the Rangers could do a trade with their interdivision rivals.  Laird came from the Athletics, as did John Rheinnecker, so obviously Beane has no problem trading in the division.  Johnson is a candidate to be non-tendered, as he’s out of options and has cooled off since his hot start after returning to the big league club.  I would think a deal would be done where it wouldn’t be too expensive and the deal wouldn’t bite the Rangers in the future.  Then again, they could always try to get him after he’s nontendered and not have to send Oakland ####, so we’ll see.
• Sean Casey (FA – Tigers). Casey isn’t coming back after this season, as the Tigers are looking for a shortstop to allow them to move to Carlos Guillen to first base in order to reduce the wear on his body.  Casey is a capable defender, but offensively, he doesn’t offer much, which is a shame, as he seems to be a genuinely nice guy.

Before You Ask, No Pitching!!!

Before you go into the usual “The Rangers Need Pitching” mantra, no they don’t.  Here’s the rotation coming into next year.

• Kevin Millwood (RHP)
• Brandon McCarthy (RHP)
• Kason Gabbard (LHP)
• Vicente Padilla (RHP)
• Fifth Starter

That’s actually not a bad rotation.  Millwood has improved greatly after a rough start to the season and McCarthy and Gabbard look like they will have bright futures.  Padilla is having a rough season, but with some rest and work, he should be okay as the 4th man in the rotation.  There are also a lot of potential fifth starters that could potentially knock Padilla to the 5th spot if he’s not careful.  The Rangers will have Kameron Loe John Rheinecker and Edinson Volquez that can capably fill the spot, plus potentially Eric Hurley, Armando Galarraga, Luis Mendoza, Doug Mathis, and Josh Rupe waiting in Triple A for a shot.

There are enough internally options here, enough potential starting pitchers that can be 3rd or 4th guys (with Hurley capable of being a 1) that the Rangers have the luxery of building a staff from within.  Hell, after the years they have had, Galarraga and Mendoza could become coveted trade chips this season after doing well in Double and Triple A.

And with the off-season’s best starters looking like a Livan Hernandez and Julian Tavarez, I’m not sold on building externally, especially if it will cost a draft pick.

Potential Trade With Detroit On The Way

The Rangers are discussing trading an outfielder to the Detroit Tigers, who are looking for bench help.  The two trade targets are believed to be Brad Wilkerson or Frank Catalonotto, both of whom have cleared waivers and can be traded to anyone.  Of the two, Wiffy is the one most likely to be traded, as he’s a short term commitment that wouldn’t require much of value exchanged.  As for Cat, he’s next year’s starting left fielder and he’s on a tear, but the money involved would be prohibitive.

Rangers Notes (Majors)

• Part of why Willie Eyre has been destroyed as of late is apparently due to injury.  Eyre will be undergoing Tommy John Surgery and will be out of commission till 2009 at the earliest.  The Rangers won’t be picking up the tab for him to remain on the roster and he’ll likely be non-tendered.
• One of the best things John Daniels did was not to Sign Gary Matthews Jr. For 5 years, $50 million and instead sign Lofton to his one year, $6 million deal.  The Matthews’ deal was stupid back then and is stupider now, as Matthews has regressed to his old form, that of a fourth outfielder that isn’t good enough to play center, but can’t hit enough to be an outfield corner.  Matthews also ranks last in Zone Rating among all AL centerfielders.  Meanwhile, Lofton was a excellent defender here and was flipped for a solid young catching prospect, Max Ramirez, who is regarded to be a franchise catcher.  Add in the two draft picks gained for Matthews that brought in Michael Main and Evan Reed and the Rangers made out like bandits.

Next Week On The Rangers Report - Breaking Down The AFL Candidates, As Well As Naming My Minor League Players Of The Year.

Angels Search For A Power Bat

The Angels are currently rolling in the American League West and need only another power bat in the lineup to help themselves out.

Unlike most years, where the Angels have been content to march out whatever team they had available, the Angels have actually tried to upgrade several parts of the team.  There seems to be a sense of urgency around the Halos, possibly because this may be the last year that they can win with the current set of Halos before they begin to transition some of their players in the minors to the majors.

The Angels are said to be considering using the speedy and versatile Chone Figgins as part of a trade package for an impact bat, along with a seeminly resurgent Ervin Santana.  Santana's attributes we've discussed in detail in this blog.  Figgins is very popular among many general managers who like that "sparkplug" type of player in their lineup.  Several teams have expressed interest in the super-utility player, the White Sox and the Yankees being the chief suitors for both. 

Looking at the Angels' lineup, the team needs more offense coming out of Third Base and Left Field, as Garrett Anderson and Vlad Guerrero will likely be making rounds at the DH spot to allow not only both players time to rest, but also to be able to allow the team to work in regular DH Juan Rivera and to keep the surprise of this season, Reggie Willits, in the lineup.  So, it looks like Third Base will be the best option for the Halos to upgrade, unless Kotchman is able to slide over to third for a season or so.

That seemed to be the theory recently when reports came out that the Angels inquired about possibly getting Adam Dunn from the Reds.  Talks died when the Reds asked for "a proven Major League starting pitcher, a Major League infielder - preferably a second baseman - and a top prospect."

Translation:

• RHP - Ervin Santana (understandable, since the Angels have been shopping him)
• INF - Erick Aybar or Chone Figgins (don't the Reds already have a full middle infield?  Does that mean that Brandon Phillips is on the way out?  Figgs would make more sense then Aybar in this case and would be understandable, as he could eventually move to the outfield to sub for the loss of Dunn.)
• Top Prospect - Likely either 3B Brandon Wood, RHP Nick Adenhart, or Aybar anywhay. 

And that, my friends, was probably the deal breaker.  The Angels hoard their prospects like a dragon does gold and to lose a top prospect would kill any deal that they choose to do. 

The Angels could give Jermaine Dye a shot if they thought they could get him for just Figgins and Santana, and such a role would work, as the Angels would be getting rid of a pair of players nearing arbitration and the White Sox would be getting more pieces to rebuild. Y ou have to admit, Figgins manning center would be a lot better than seeing Darin Erstad and his porcelian knees running around out there.

Other options:

• Mark Teixeira (1B - Rangers) - Possible, but unlikely, as the Angels would hate to see some of the players that they traded away come back to haunt them in the same division.
• Mike Lowell (3B - Red Sox) - The only way I could see this happening only if the Red Sox slide Youkilis to Third and obtaining Teixeira from the Rangers.  That's the only way, but both teams are stingy with their prospects and won't give up anything of value if they had their way, which is a shame, as a package of LHP Jon Lester and SS Ericky Aybar would be tempting.
• Scott Rolen (3B - Cardinals) - The Cards need positional players and they could get a couple of good ones if the Angels are willing to dicker.  Rolen starting slowly, but he may need a change of scenery and maybe get away from Tony LaRussa.
• Nomar Garciaparra (1B - Dodgers) - Nomar could be able to handle Third, as I think he's got enough left to man it for a year and a half.  Unfortunately, neither team has parts that they would be able to match up with.
• Mark Loretta (UTIL - Astros) - Loretta is currently hitting well and the Astros are pretty much out of contention.  If the Angels were willing to offer pieces that the Astros needed, say catcher Jeff Mathis, I think the Astros would be willing to go for it.  Morgan Ensberg is another option.

Zambrano Likely To Hit Free Agency

I hate to break it to you Cubs fans, but it sounds like Carlos Zambrano is done in Chi-Town.  Zambrano has been awful for much of the season and his brawl with Michael Barrett only figures to spur the Cubs to allow their one time ace to leave via free agency.

Part of the reason is the sale of the Tribune Company, which as pretty much frozen the Cubs’ assets and prevents the Cubbies from spending a ton on extravagant contracts like they did this past off-season, where they spent over $300 million.  With ownership in flux, the Cubs are under a strict budget and will not toe the line anytime soon.

Another part is the fact that the Cubs appear to have a set young core of talent in the rotation.  Rich Hill is looking like another Barry Zito and Sean Marshall looks like he may yet become a capable end of the rotation lefty.  Jason Marquis and Ted Lilly, two players that the Cubs were chastised for signing, are instead looking very much like they’re worth their money.  And while Zambrano’s presence at the top of the rotation is a plus, the Cubs may be able to stay in contention with their rotation as is and look for a capable fifth starter option instead.

There is one other reason why Zambrano also won’t stay with the Cubs.  Zambrano is said to be considering re-hiring Scott Boras as his agent.  Should he go that route, Zambrano will almost certainly be priced out of the Cubs’ range, as the two New York Teams would love to have Zambrano’s youth and ability in their rotation. 

The Cubs Make More Mistakes With Murton

Matt Murton was sent to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, returning to the minors for the first time since being called up in July 2005.  The reason, given by Lou Piniella, is that Murton’s changed his batting stance over the winter that that Pinella advised him to return to his original stance.

Murton, however, has a different opinion, stating that his low production isn’t about a chance in his stance (he says he hasn’t changed it, btw).  It’s about the fact that he hasn’t gotten any playing time because the Cubs signed one too many outfielders.  They signed Alfonso Soriano and have abandoned the experiment after Soriano tweeked a hamstring.  They decided to go hard after Cliff Floyd to platoon with Murton even though Murton didn’t need a platoon partner and now they are rushing Felix Pie to play center and they failed to trade Jacque Jones, who would have welcomed a trade and even better yet, can play centerfield. 

I really don’t think the Cubs know what the hell they are doing?

Murton will probably be dangled in exchange for bullpen help, and as I’ve said several times, teams need to take advantage of the Cubs’ incompetence for just badly managing Murton this year.